TEEN RELATIONSHIP...
Although they are very often fun and enjoyable, many people experience great anxiety about relationships during their teen years. This short article will attempt to address some of the areas that teenagers find difficult to cope with.
Emotions
Relationships can affect us very deeply on an emotional level, particularly romantic relationships. Teens can easily become overwhelmed by the strong feelings evoked by their early experiences of love and heartbreak. It is important to view teenage relationships as an opportunity to learn and grow rather than taking them too seriously. If they become serious over time then it will happen naturally and feelings will intensify accordingly. Give your heart slowly and enjoy the experience.
Break-Ups
One of the most difficult things in life is accepting that someone we care for no longer wishes to be involved in our lives. It can also be hard when the situation is reversed and we want to end a relationship. Over time these things get (a little) easier to cope with but the truth is that break-ups are never fun. It is important to try to manage these unpleasant events with dignity and respect. One of the most hurtful things is when the person initiating the break-up humiliates the other party. Obviously this should be avoided, as a person who behaves in this way will soon get a bad name and may find that others become wary of involvement with him/her.
Expectations, Peer Pressure and Sex
These days it can be difficult to know what sorts of behaviour are appropriate in social situations and within relationships.
When and with whom we choose to have our first sexual experience is a very important decision. In the past the social standard was that you waited until your wedding night to have sex whereas now there is no hard-and-fast rule, except the lawful age of consent. Legally people are
Very often young people are made to feel inexperienced or prudish by the comments of peers – sometimes they feel under pressure to engage in a sexual relationship before they are ready or really want to, just so they can feel as “grown-up” as their friends. There are many reasons to have sex, but the fact that your friends want you to is one of the very worst. It is girls who have the most to lose here, as they are the ones who can become pregnant as the result of thoughtless sexual activity.
Another possible adverse consequence of careless sexual intercourse is the transmission of Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). The rates of STDs are worryingly high among teens.
Our sexuality is a very important and intimate part of ourselves, and sexual behaviours can stimulate very strong emotions and feelings – be sure that you are in a relationship which is solid enough to withstand these before you take things further.
Although these decisions are very personal it is a good idea to talk to someone you trust when making them, preferably an adult – a parent, a teacher or an older sibling. If you are making these decisions and feel that there is nobody you can talk to you could speak to your GP or call a youth helpline.
It is beyond the scope of this article to go into the topic in depth but a number of support organisations can be found on the web who can guide you in taking the necessary steps.